However, because of the great danger from this tribe, in order to be sure of peace and to render secure our allies who dwell near the Zambales, whom we are bound to protect, all the children and women and the others may be taken from their land and divided in various parts in small bands, even when their crimes were perpetrated by but a few ruffians.  By this method we receive much benefit and security, and they no harm, but on the contrary much benefit, both spiritual and corporal.  But in no case do we think that they may have their ears cut off or be crippled so that they can not take flight—­neither women, nor children, nor those who do not commit any individual crime which may merit such punishment; for this is great cruelty and will engender in all a deadly hatred of our nation and law.  Besides, other and gentler means can be used to prevent them from becoming fugitives—­such as dispersing them throughout many widely-separated districts, and providing some one to watch over them.

Antonio Sedeno

Opinion of the Franciscans

Jesus

I have read the papers which your Grace sent me, and although, at first reading, the justification of this proceeding was not apparent, I wished, on account of its being so serious a matter, to study at leisure the doctors who have discussed this subject.  It is important for me to know if what I have heard is true—­that the Zambales have, upon various occasions, been molested by the Spaniards.  To be sure of this point is a matter of much importance, because if we have injured or provoked them, first, by wrongs, or by exacting from them tributes which they did not owe, such action on our part would ill be justified.  But, since I am not certain on this point, I first find, according to the account which I have read and examined in the papers which your Grace sent me, that they have been persuaded and invited with offers of peace, and pardon for the injuries which have been done; and that for this purpose, the governor, using mild and conciliatory measures, sent religious with the military, to whom the said Zambales promised to be peaceable.  They made similar promises to former governors, but have kept none of them; on the contrary they have been bolder and more lawless than ever, robbing and killing many persons on sea and on land.  For these offenses I consider that all the malefactors should be punished, and that means should be provided to protect the highways for the benefit of the Tagalos, Panpangos, and Ilocos, and of all others who pay tribute—­since it is for this purpose, together with the teaching they receive, that they pay their tributes, and have placed themselves under his Majesty’s protection and favor.  If this punishment cannot be accomplished without war, then I consider war justifiable, for the reasons above stated.  Without doubt the authority of the king is the first condition to be established,